Finding the Right Design Build Contractor for Your Next Project
Are you seeking a design build contractor? You can read about finding a reputable option with a proven track record in this rundown. Design-build work is on the rise and is expected to account for $400 billion of the work in the US by 2025. If you want to simplify a construction project and have one entity oversee the entire thing, you need a design build contractor. Because you’re placing so much responsibility on one general contractor, it’s so important to find someone that shares and can enact your vision.
Today, we’re going to tell you how to sift through design build contractors so that you end up with the right one. The fate of your project hinges on this decision, so keep reading and make sure you get someone reputable and capable on your side.
The Design Build Contractor Relationship
Understanding how the design build contractor and client relationship works is integral before selecting a contractor. Hiring a design build contractor means that you only manage a single contract, while your contractor deals with subcontractors, as well as designers. A lot of the time, these things are all under the same roof.
This differs from the traditional setup for a project, where the client would manage two separate contracts with your contractor and designer. It simplifies things for you, but also places a lot of trust in the design build contractor.
Qualifications and Track Record
Knowing this, the first thing to look for in a commercial contractor of this kind is qualifications. Look at their professional licenses and make sure that they’ve got the commercial construction and design experience to do the job.
A good design build firm will have construction and architectural experience. The more of both they have, the easier it’ll be to entrust them with your project.
To really get a sense of what general contractors and architects are capable of, you need to look at their portfolios. Seeing what projects they’ve worked on can instill a sense of confidence in the process.
Industry Reputation
You should also make sure to look at customer ratings and reviews. These can tell you a lot about what it’ll be like to work with a contractor. If there are any red flags in the way that they work or provide customer service, you’ll find out from former customers.
It can be helpful to request references from some of the commercial projects they’ve worked on. This allows you to ask all the questions you might have before hiring a contractor.
Pricing and Timelines
When talking to different design build contractors, the biggest questions to ask, outside of the specifics of the project, are about pricing and timelines. If they can’t complete the project within budget, you can’t move forward with them.
Likewise, if they can’t complete the project on time, it’ll cause issues. Their ability to do so often depends on how many other projects they have going on simultaneously.
Hire the Top Tacoma Architect and Contractor
If you go through these steps, you’ll be able to find the right design build contractor for your project. In Tacoma, your best bet for architecture and building under one roof is HHJ Architecture & Construction.
With 40 years of industry experience, we’ve worked on some of the biggest projects Tacoma has seen. To learn more about how we can bring your ideas to fruition, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation today.